Kentucky State Police Post 8 Investigate Fatal Collision in Powell County

STANTON, Ky. (September, 13, 2025) – Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 8 Morehead received a call from Powell County Dispatch at approximately 8:00 a.m. requesting assistance with a single vehicle fatal traffic collision on the Mountain Parkway at the 33 mile marker.

Preliminary investigation revealed that James R. Gabbard, 49 of Hazel Green, was traveling East bound on the Mountain Parkway.  Mr. Gabbard exited the roadway striking a embankment causing his vehicle to overturn.  Mr. Gabbard was pronounced deceased at the scene by Powell County Coroner Megan Wells-Curtis.

KSP was assisted on scene by Middlefork Fire Department, Powell County Sheriff’s Department, Powell County Coroner and Powell County EMS. The collision remains under investigation by Trooper Austin Miller. 

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